'T.M.O' Coming of Age Ritual

Andraous (Discontinued)    Culture    Rituals      'T.M.O' Coming of Age Ritual

For all 'Troll Killer Orcs', nothing is more important than keeping Trolls out of their territory, and eliminating any that cross over the mountains. Young Orcs are taught this from a young age, and when they are on the cusp of being considered adults, must spend 3 days and 3 nights on lookout duty.

History

Trolls have been a threat to the Orcs for as long as they can remember, attacking and eating anyone that they manage to catch off guard. To combat this, the 'T.K.O's' always has at least one guard on watch, and any Trolls seen in their territory is promptly hunted down by a large hunting party. For young orcs, being allowed to be lookout for the tribe is a great honor, and a sign that the tribe trusts them to guard camp while they sleep or tend to other matters.

Execution

When a young 'T.K.O' comes of age, the tribe's women will prepare them for their first lookout duty. In the days leading up to it, they will be well fed and rested, for lookouts are not allowed to eat or sleep to make sure they are not distracted. The evening before they will be given a special drink, meant to give them energy and keep them alert. They must then patrol the outskirts of their tribe's current camping grounds for three days and three nights without food or rest. If they are caught sleeping or eating during this time by their tribe-mates, they will be shunned or even exiled by the tribe, for they shown themselves to be untrustworthy. Those that successfully stay alert for the entire time are then relived from their duty, given a quick meal, and set to bed to sleep for as long as they need. When they awaken, there will be feast and celebrations.